Friday, 6 April 2012

My Horrible Blog

My blog is looking HORRIBLE at the moment. I’ve been thinking for ages how fed up I was getting with the old background – I’ve had it since I first started, and it’s feeling pretty tired these days, and really doesn’t express who I am, so I decided to revamp it. I’ve designed a nice background in Serif CraftArtist Platinum, using my own photos, including some pictures of my own work.

Some time ago my friend Wendy sent me some instructions how to change the background, and I have been trying since last night, absolutely without success – the picture is coming out much too small, and if I try and change the size of my blog and the columns in the layout editor, nothing will fit.

I’m at the hair tearing stage now, and have emailed Wendy for some urgent help – and if I can’t sort this out, it will either go on looking quite ’orrible, or I’ll have to resort to another pre-made one, which I really don’t want to do.

So my apologies everyone for allowing such an eyesore to appear in my name in Blogland!! Hopefully it won’t be for too long.

Hi Shoshi, Thank you for the wonderful ideas re making cogs from a mould. Have looked at your past posts and got some great ideas. You are a wealth of craft information. Hope your blog troubles sort out soon. Have a wonderful easter.Sandra

Ohooo my...if i change mine I have to think about changing the typing colour, coz it's black, so although I type in black (when I do the posts...it comes out white on the published post....I practised on my 'practise blog' and now I can't see the posts, even though the background is lighter!

Beatrice and Phoebe

Humphrey, Winston and Edwina

Yum Sing

Free Downloads

I have created various backgrounds, texture overlays, templates and cut files, which are available on my Microsoft OneDrive album, which you are free to download and use. My only stipulation is that you do not use them for commercial gain and that if you mention my name and direct people to my blog, that would be good.

I have created all these files myself from my own drawings and photographs. Any resemblance to work created by others is purely coincidental.

I shall be adding to the list as time goes on, so keep your eyes open.

All the files I have designed and uploaded to my Skydrive are free to download, but if you would like to make a donation, please click the button above.If you would like to buy any of my art which I have specified as being for sale, please email me for details, and when you are happy, click the button above to pay, and the item will be sent to you.Thank you.

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Zentangle

What is Zentangle?

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction, along with an increased sense of personal wellbeing. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over the world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.

Sheba, my Wonderful Silver Bullet Cougar Cutting Machine

Powerful, accurate cutter/plotter for use with many media types from regular cardstock to vinyl. Cuts, embosses, engraves, print-and-cut, draws, etc. etc.The recently-launched Phoenix Silver Bullet is the generation on from the Cougar. Get your machine here:Thyme Graphics (UK)That's Scrap Inc (USA)Cutting Edge Craft (Australia)When you purchase your machine from these suppliers, you will get the best pre-and post-purchase advice and assistance, customer service second-to-none, and join a world-wide cutting community supporting existing Cougar and Lynx owners, Silver Bullet and Cameo owners.To read a review of the new Silver Bullet machine and some background, please go here.

Genuinely Heat-Proof Mats!

I am continually coming across people saying that non-stick craft mats are heatproof. OK, they don't melt if you heat them, but they offer absolutely no protection for what is underneath. Over the years I have warped quite a few self-healing cutting mats which were underneath my non-stick craft mat, either with a heat gun, or by placing my melt pot on top. Having got totally fed up with this I searched for a solution and found these amazing insulated mats which survive up to 1,000 deg. Centigrade, and I now do no heating without them. I place my non-stick craft mat on top, and have no more worries.